Obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation is an option for restoring your civil and political rights of citizenship when your conviction is not eligible for a reduction or expungement. A Certificate of Rehabilitation (abbreviated as “COR”) does not necessarily erase your criminal record, but it identifies you on behalf of the court as a law-abiding citizen.

Although being granted a COR is a difficult process which has strict requirements that need to be met for qualification, it is an important step for obtaining a pardon by the California Governor and it shows society that you have moved on from your criminal past.
 

Benefits of a Certificate of Rehabilitation

Being convicted of a crime makes it difficult to adjust back to a normal life. Even after you have served time for your crimes and have left your criminal past behind you, a felony conviction will present you with hardships when trying to find a job or even a new home to live in.

However, If you’ve completed your probation and had a felony conviction, or misdemeanor sex offense, you can benefit from a Certificate of Rehabilitation.

The benefits of obtaining a COR include:

• Not being denied from a state license based on your conviction
• Relieving your requirement of registering as a sex offender
• Better employment opportunities
• The ability to show that your past does not define who you are

Lastly, your certificate of rehabilitation serves as an automatic application for a state governor’s pardon. However, receiving a pardon doesn’t clear your criminal record, but it’s a big step in showing that you have been rehabilitated.
 

Eligibility for a Certificate of Rehabilitation

To be eligible for a Certificate of Rehabilitation you must have:

• Been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor sex crime
• Been Sentenced to a California State prison
• Received and successfully completed probation for a felony

Aside from that, you must also have 5 years of residency in California under your belt without being incarcerated again since your release from prison. A period of 2 to 5 years of rehabilitation must also be completed after your release from custody in order to be eligible for a COR.

You are not eligible for a COR if you are accused of a misdemeanor, are currently serving in the military, are sentenced to death or you are serving a life sentence without parole.
 

Certificate of Rehabilitation Process

The process of obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation is a technical and complicated area of the law. Here at Quinnan Law, we will walk you through the process and thoroughly investigate your case to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for a COR.

If you or a loved one are ready to leave your criminal past behind and wish to petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation, contact us today and we will fight to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.